The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach

The nostalgic, old-fashioned feel that is found within the smart contemporary studio rooms at this bayside hotel, which overlooks Margate Beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula, just north of Brisbane, sets the tone for a relaxed seaside getaway.

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£69per night

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Location

8/10

Drive across the Hornibrook Bridge, about 16 miles north of Brisbane, and you’ll suddenly feel like you’re on an island. North of the bridge – which spans just under two miles, making it Australia’s longest – the Redcliffe Peninsula juts into Moreton Bay. The hotel sits across the street from Margate Beach, with beautiful views of the bay. Redcliffe is the departure point for Brisbane whale watching tours (May to October), and is also the childhood home of the Bee Gees, with a tribute walkway one of the major local attractions.

There are several other beaches to explore, and nearby Settlement Cove Lagoon has a large children’s playground, picnic areas and kiosk. Brisbane International Airport is about 30 minutes to the south by car and the city centre is about a 40-minute drive.

Style & character

7/10

The first impression is of a seaside café bustling with locals and tourists. The main entrance to this four-level hotel is from a side street, with nothing to keep you lingering in the small, plain lobby. All the action and interest are in the restaurant and bar just off it, and on the rooftop terrace.

Service & facilities

7/10

Friendly and enthusiastic staff members set the tone for a hotel that’s big on service, even if the facilities are basic. The highlight is the small rooftop pool, with surrounding terrace, available only to guests. A small but well-equipped fitness centre is also the place where you can find free vintage-style bikes for free-wheeling along the beachside cycling paths, or the 1.2-mile timber boardwalk that stretches in front of the hotel. There is free, secure parking under cover too.

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Rooms

7/10

All 58 studio rooms have generous balconies furnished with a table and two chairs; for sea views, ask for one at the front of the hotel. All rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves and non-alcoholic minibars, a small work desk, comfy leather sofa and queen-sized bed. The décor is restful shades of grey, including a grey brick feature wall, with floor-to-ceiling black-and-white historic images of Margate Beach on another wall.

Bathrooms have showers only but also little luxuries such as bathrobes, slippers and beach/pool towels.

Food & drink

8/10

Margate Beach House restaurant overlooks the beach and across Moreton Bay, and is open all day. Sit inside or on the terrace; it can be mildly chilly outside on winter nights but blankets and overhead heaters take care of that. Breakfast is à la carte, with a simple but satisfying range of dishes such as eggs on toast, Spanish omelette, pancakes and fresh fruit bowls. The décor is equally plain, with bare white tables and potted plants scattered around.

The all-day menu offers café-style sharing platters and à la carte options with a focus on seafood, as well as burgers, pasta, and fish and chips. The pièce de résistance is an impressive seafood platter for two (AUD 120/£67). This is a popular spot for locals, especially at weekends, so reservations are advised.